BirdTravels

While we love forward facing suites on NCL small ships (we always book them), the forward facing CBS on the Prima was a let down. It's is a little, narrow walkway (not balcony). The hull balcony is similar to NCL small ships, but rather than sweeping the wind up and over you, it just amplifies the wind hitting you from the front and back. We really could not find a good way to enjoy the balcony anytime the ship is underway. The suite next to us at least had a plexiglass wind break. Note that the interior of the room is different on different floors based on the ship's structure. So, if you have looked at YouTube videos of this room, ours was different than those. I think that we lost some sq footage based on the room configuration.

There is no real privacy on a cruise ship. Deck 8 Waterfront on both sides of the ship has a lot of comfy sofas that people sit and contemplate the sea. There are also restaurant tables if you sit, read, play games. There is the Thermal Suite in the Spa (extra cost) where we go to relax

If I don't get a free at sea alcoholic drink package, can I sub in the Starbucks one with free at sea? Or is it only an add-on? It can not be substituted. You pay full retail: $12.95 * 10 days = 129.50 + 20% gratuity = $155.40 I don't drink that much and the 300 tip charge seems a lot to me for 10 days if I'm only getting bar drinks a couple of times a day. Let's say the average bar drink costs $11 + 20% gratuity = $13.20. If you have 2 drinks a day, you will exceed the $21.80 cost of the drinks package. Do you pay in cash on board the ship? if so what currency? If I buy OBC, can it be applied to everything on the ship including food and drink? Can I tip the staff with USD? The ship is cashless. You charge everything to your room account. Most people settle their room account to a credit card. You can settle your account in cash on the last night of the cruise. Note: The currency of the ship is USD and there will be an unfavorable exchange if you use Canadian dollars to settle your account. If the price drops after booking, will they give us credit or refund? You can rebook (technically a cancel and rebook) any time up to final payment. After final payment, you will pay a penalty. And finally if I wanted to upgrade, how would I do that? Phone it in or online? You can rebook (technically a cancel and rebook) any time up to final payment. After final payment, you will pay a penalty. You can not change your reservation online - you would need to talk to NCL. I know I can phone in the questions but I want to book online because I have the Amex 250 credit deal and it specifies using the ncl.com. I don't want to sit through upselling (do the CSRs do that?)and I don't find the website that detailed. The call center don't upsell, but they will talk to you about your options.

The ferry belongs to NCL and is only operating for your ship. Times are adjusted based on your ship's schedule. This week's itinerary is a one-off with a different schedule than normal.

MDR?

Feel sorry for the crew having to be out just in case someone shows up.

Yup. Back in 2019, they removed a whole bunch of rooms to build the Observation Lounge. They put some back. And they used the Galaxy Pavilion space to build a Thermal Suite (the ship never had one because there is no interest for such things in Asia).

Every cruise line operates differently and caters to a different clientele. The guests kinda drive the experience a lot. MSC passengers really engaged with the ship activities and deck parties. It would be a NCL Cruise Director's dream to have the participation at their Glow Party that MSC had at their White Party. The deck full of dancing passengers. Everyone dressed in white (hardly anyone dresses up on NCL any more). Even though The Birds are old, they like a good party. The Birds are NCL Diamond, Royal Caribbean Diamond, MSC Diamond, Cunard Platinum. So far this year, we have done one RCCL, one NCL, and one MSC cruise. And we enjoyed them all. The Bird does not try and do side-by-side comparisons because they are never "fair" and is totally subjective based on the discrete topic you pick to evaluate. For example, out of the three cruises The Birds have taken this year, The Birds like the variety of food on the NCL buffet better,,,, but you can't beat getting "real" pizza at midnight, every night, on MSC (no disrespect to Sorento's on RCCL, but MSC's pizza is really good, and NCL's buffet closes at 9:30).

Thank you!

Cool. Thank you. We were worried about the sofa smashed up against the bed leaving little space to walk around.

Agree. We want to be down close to the front and center. That's not what they save. I don't need to be "seen" in the reserve section. I need to be able to see the show.

Nope. You determine at the time of dining how you are going to pay. The reservation system does not care. BUT,,, as pointed out by @ggTexasGal, you need to make fixed restaurant reservations first (Teppanyaki or Moderno). When you show up to dinner, you tell the hostess at the podium how you want to pay. Any Specialty Dining Package credit (SDP - either the ones that come with Free at Sea, Free at Sea Plus, Free at Sea upgrade, purchased SDP package), Latitude Vouchers (for top-tier Latitude members), other vouchers, or pay "cash"/ room charge.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! Phones using iMessage (and it has to be Apple iPhones using iMessage (blue messages)) can communicate without logging onto the internet. You just connect to the ship's wifi.

The thermal suite is a place to sit quietly and relax. Not making any noise. It’s not the pool outside or a place for loud, boisterous play. I think that your kids may be better off if you signed the alcohol waiver and let them hang at the bars.

You realize that you are replying to and picking a fight with a post made 9 month's ago????